ShoreTrips says...

This was our last day in Belize and we had scheduled lots of appointments throughout the interior of this lovely country. When we arrived at the described destination, we found only a gentleman sitting nearby, but, surprisingly, he was waiting for us. He directed us to a concrete incline and, once we were visible to the fellow across the river, he began pulling on a rope that extends the width of the water. In just a short time, he had brought the boat over to "give us a lift." After looking at his muscles, I think I discovered a much better way than the gym to build upper arm strength. Now I just have to find the river!

Belize is exotic! And your journey to the interior for a horseback ride through the rain forest is a great wat to experience it!.

You’ll be whisked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Belize City and taken to the quaint Belizean countryside. Observe children playing as you pass through Hattieville, More Tomorrow, and Cotton Tree. Check out the odd-shaped mountains towards the coast where the Harrison Ford movie Mosquito Coast was filmed. After a short trip down a country road, you’ve reached your destination--almost! A hand-pulled boat will now take you across a wide expanse of the Belize River. The 55-minute trip will fly by.

Once at the lodge, you'll enjoy a snack and juice while witnessing a demonstration of horsemanship 101. Beginning riders will be taught the basics of riding by the ranch's owner, a renowned horse whisperer. He will regale you with interesting tales, always with an ending that imparts words of wisdom gleaned through his own experiences. He specializes in your safety, as well as ensuring an adventure of "uppies and downies" in the middle of the jungle.

Next, you’ll be matched to a well-cared-for Belizean-type quarter horse in accordance with your riding experience. Your sure-footed steed will carry you under a canopy of cohune palms while winding through vines cascading from tropical trees adorned with bromeliads. Keep your ears open for the call of howler monkeys! Your guides will talk about the medicinal properties of the vegetation, as well as uses of the trees and types of wood. During the ride, your guide will offer to take photos of you on horseback with your camera.

If you care to trot or have a fast lope along the road, talk to your lead hand to arrange a "hold back-catch up" event.

Back at the lodge, you’ll be served a wonderful Belizean lunch, topped off with a sumptuous dessert. The day doesn’t end here, however. Ask to meet Tikatoo, the resident jaguar cat, who is just too cute.

You can choose to take a cooling 30-minute boat tour along the river or stroll through the grounds while getting to know the assortment of tropical birds and wildlife that live here.

Last, but certainly not least, we'll visit a gallery of fine paintings depicting scenes of Belize. Both nature and the Belizean culture are expressed in beautiful oils. Painted with love for her adopted country, the artist has captured life in Belize both past and present.